KPSC KAS ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ 2026: ಅರ್ಹತೆ, ಮಾದರಿ, ಪಠ್ಯಕ್ರಮ, ತಯಾರಿ
1. KPSC KAS ಬಗ್ಗೆ (KPSC KAS ಎಂದರೇನು?)
• KAS ಎಂದರೆ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ಸೇವಾ ಆಯೋಗ (KPSC) ನಡೆಸುವ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸಿವಿಲ್ ಸೇವಾ / ಗಜೆಟೆಡ್ ಪ್ರೊಬೆಷನರ್ಸ್ ನೇಮಕಾತಿ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ.
• ಇದು UPSC ಮಾದರಿಯಂತೆ: ಪೂರ್ವಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ → ಮುಖ್ಯ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ → ಸಂದರ್ಶನ → ದಾಖಲೆ ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ → ನೇಮಕಾತಿ.
• ಉತ್ತೀರ್ಣರಾದ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಗಜೆಟೆಡ್ ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನೇಮಕಾತಿ ನೀಡಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.
2. ಅರ್ಹತೆ (Eligibility)
ಇತ್ತೀಚಿನ ಸೂಚನೆಗಳ ಪ್ರಕಾರ ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ ಅರ್ಹತೆಗಳು:
| ಮಾನದಂಡ | ವಿವರ |
|---|---|
| ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯತೆ | ಭಾರತೀಯ ನಾಗರಿಕ |
| ಶೈಕ್ಷಣಿಕ ಅರ್ಹತೆ | ಮಾನ್ಯ ವಿಶ್ವವಿದ್ಯಾಲಯದಿಂದ ಪದವಿ |
| ವಯೋಮಿತಿ | 21–35 ವರ್ಷ (ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ); ಕೆಲವು ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳಿಗೆ 38 ವರ್ಷ. OBC: +3 ವರ್ಷ, SC/ST/Category-1: +5 ವರ್ಷ. |
| ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಗಳ ಮಿತಿ | General: 5 | OBC: 7 | SC/ST/Category-1: ವಯೋಮಿತಿಯೊಳಗೆ ಅನಿಯಮಿತ |
| ಭಾಷಾ ಜ್ಞಾನ | ಕನ್ನಡ ಓದು/ಬರಹ ಕಡ್ಡಾಯ |
| ದೇಹದ ಮಾಪನಗಳು | ಬಹುತೇಕ ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ, ಕೆಲವು ವಿಶೇಷ ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ |
⚠️ ಪ್ರತಿ ನೇಮಕಾತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಯಮಗಳು ಬದಲಾಗಬಹುದು — ತಾಜಾ ಅಧಿಸೂಚನೆ ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸಿ.
3. ಪರೀಕ್ಷಾ ಮಾದರಿ (Exam Pattern)
A. ಪೂರ್ವ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ (Prelims – MCQs)
• 2 ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಪತ್ರಿಕೆಗಳು, ಪ್ರತಿ ಒಂದು 200 ಅಂಕ.
• 100×2 = 200 ಅಂಕ ಪ್ರತಿ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ → ಒಟ್ಟು 400 ಅಂಕ.
• ತಪ್ಪು ಉತ್ತರಕ್ಕೆ -0.25 ನಕಾರಾತ್ಮಕ ಅಂಕ.
• ಅವಧಿ: 2 ಗಂಟೆ.
• Screening ಮಾತ್ರ — ಮೆರಿಟ್ಗೆ ಸೇರಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲ.
B. ಮುಖ್ಯ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ (Mains – ವರ್ಣನಾತ್ಮಕ)
ಒಟ್ಟು 7 ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಪತ್ರಿಕೆಗಳು:
| ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ | ಅಂಕ | ಅವಧಿ |
|---|---|---|
| ಕನ್ನಡ (ಯೋಗ್ಯತಾ) | 150 | 2 ಗಂಟೆ |
| ಇಂಗ್ಲಿಷ್ (ಯೋಗ್ಯತಾ) | 150 | 2 ಗಂಟೆ |
| ಪ್ರಬಂಧ | 250 | 3 ಗಂಟೆ |
| GS – Paper I | 250 | 3 ಗಂಟೆ |
| GS – Paper II | 250 | 3 ಗಂಟೆ |
| GS – Paper III | 250 | 3 ಗಂಟೆ |
| GS – Paper IV | 250 | 3 ಗಂಟೆ |
• ಮೆರಿಟ್ ಅಂಕ: 1250
• ಸಂದರ್ಶನ: 25 ಅಂಕ
• ಅಂತಿಮ ಮೆರಿಟ್ = 1250 + 25
4. ಪಠ್ಯಕ್ರಮ (Syllabus)
4A. Prelims Syllabus
Paper I- ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ & ಅಂತರರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಪ್ರಸಕ್ತ ಘಟನೆಗಳು
- ಭಾರತದ ಇತಿಹಾಸ + ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಇತಿಹಾಸ
- ಭೂಗೋಳ — ಭಾರತ + ವಿಶ್ವ + ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ
- ಸಂವಿಧಾನ, ರಾಜಕೀಯ, ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಮೂಲಭೂತ ಅಂಶಗಳು
- ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ GS: ರಾಜ್ಯ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳು, ನೀತಿಗಳು, ಸಮಾಜ–ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ವಿಷಯಗಳು
- ವಿಜ್ಞಾನ–ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ, ಪರಿಸರ, ಜೈವವೈವಿಧ್ಯ
- Mental Ability: ಗಣಿತ, reasoning, data interpretation (SSLC ಮಟ್ಟ)
4B. Mains Syllabus
(1) ಭಾಷಾ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆಗಳು – ಕನ್ನಡ & ಇಂಗ್ಲಿಷ್- ಗದ್ಯಪಾಠ ಗ್ರಹಿಕೆ
- ಪ್ರೆಸ್ಸಿ
- ವ್ಯಾಕರಣ
- ಪದಸಂಪನ್ನತೆ
- ಪತ್ರ ಬರಹ / ಸಣ್ಣ ಪ್ರಬಂಧ
- ಭಾರತದ ಇತಿಹಾಸ, ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿ, ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಹೋರಾಟ
- ಭಾರತ + ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಭೂಗೋಳ
- ಸಂವಿಧಾನ, ಆಡಳಿತ, ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆ
- ಭಾರತ + ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಆರ್ಥಿಕತೆ
- ಪರಿಸರ, ವಿಜ್ಞಾನ–ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ
- ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ನ್ಯಾಯ, ಸಮಾಜ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳು
- ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳು, ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಸೂಚ್ಯಂಕಗಳು
- 2 ಪ್ರಬಂಧಗಳು — ಒಂದು ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ/ಅಂತರರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ, ಒಂದು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ವಿಷಯ
- ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟತೆ, ವಿಶ್ಲೇಷಣೆ, ಸಮಗ್ರ ಚಿಂತನೆ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ
5. ದಾಖಲಾತಿಗಳು (Documents Required)
- ಜನನ ಪ್ರಮಾಣಪತ್ರ / SSLC
- ಪದವಿ ಪ್ರಮಾಣಪತ್ರ & ಅಂಕಪಟ್ಟಿ
- ಆಧಾರ್ / ಮತದಾರ ಚೀಟಿ
- ವರ್ಗ (Reservation) ಪ್ರಮಾಣಪತ್ರ
- ವಾಸಸ್ಥಳ / ಜಾತಿ ಪ್ರಮಾಣಪತ್ರ
- ಫೋಟೋ & ಸಹಿ
- SSLC/PU/ಪದವಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕನ್ನಡ ಅಥವಾ
- KPSC ಕನ್ನಡ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಉತ್ತೀರ್ಣ
6. ತಯಾರಿ ಯುಕ್ತಿ (Strategy)
A. ಸಮಯ ಯೋಜನೆ
- ಆಧಾರದಿಂದ ಆರಂಭಿಸುವವರಿಗೆ: 6 ತಿಂಗಳು
- ದಿನಕ್ಕೆ 4–6 ಗಂಟೆಗಳ ಅಧ್ಯಯನ
- ಕನ್ನಡ + ಪ್ರಸಕ್ತ ಘಟನೆಗಳು + GS ಸಮಾನವಾಗಿ ಓದಿ
B. 12-ವಾರಗಳ ಮಾದರಿ ಪ್ಲಾನ್
ವಾರ 1–3- ಇತಿಹಾಸ, ಭೂಗೋಳ, ರಾಜಕೀಯ, ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಮೂಲಭೂತಗಳು
- ವಿಜ್ಞಾನ/ಪರಿಸರ
- ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ ಓದು
- Mental Ability ಆರಂಭ
- MCQ ಅಭ್ಯಾಸ (50–100/ದಿನ)
- ರಾಜ್ಯ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳು
- DI + reasoning
- Prelims Mock Tests
- ತಪ್ಪುಗಳ ವಿಶ್ಲೇಷಣೆ
- ಸಂಕ್ಷಿಪ್ತ ಟಿಪ್ಪಣಿಗಳು
- ಪ್ರಬಂಧ + ಉತ್ತರ ಬರವಣಿಗೆ
- ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ GS ಗಾಢ ಅಧ್ಯಯನ
- ಭಾಷಾ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ ಅಭ್ಯಾಸ
C. ನಿರಂತರ ಅಭ್ಯಾಸ
- ಪ್ರಸಕ್ತ ಘಟನೆಗಳ ಟಿಪ್ಪಣಿಗಳು
- ಮಾಕ್ ಟೆಸ್ಟ್ಗಳು
- ಪುನರಾವರ್ತನೆ
7. ಶಿಫಾರಸು ಮಾಡಿದ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳು (Resources)
General Studies- Laxmikanth – Polity
- G.C. Leong – Geography
- Ramesh Singh – Economy
- NCERTs (6–12)
- ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ವರದಿಗಳು, ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಸಮೀಕ್ಷೆ
- R.S. Aggarwal
- DI + Reasoning ಪಠ್ಯಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳು
- ಕನ್ನಡ ವ್ಯಾಕರಣ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳು
- English Grammar & Writing guides
- ಪತ್ರಿಕೆಗಳು (Kannada + English)
- Yearbooks / PIB / Reports
- KAS ಹಿಂದಿನ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಪತ್ರಿಕೆಗಳು
- Prelims + Mains Mock Test Series
8. ಮುಖ್ಯ ಸಲಹೆಗಳು / ಗಮನಿಸಬೇಕಾದದ್ದು
- ಕನ್ನಡ ಭಾಷಾ ಜ್ಞಾನ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಮುಖ್ಯ
- ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ-ನಿರ್ದಿಷ್ಟ ವಿಷಯಗಳಿಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಒತ್ತು ಕೊಡಿ
- Mains: ಉತ್ತರ ಬರವಣಿಗೆ ಅತ್ಯಗತ್ಯ
- ಪುನರಾವರ್ತನೆ ಇಲ್ಲದೆ ಯಶಸ್ಸು ಕಷ್ಟ
- Mock tests + ಸಮಯ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆ = ಯಶಸ್ಸಿನ ಕೀಲಿ
KAS Gazetted Probatioanary Exam 2026: Eligibility, Pattern, Results
1. About (What is KPSC KAS)
• KAS is the civil-services / gazetted-probationer exam conducted by Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) to recruit officers for various administrative posts in Karnataka.
• The selection process is modelled similarly to central civil service exams: you have a Preliminary (screening) stage → Mains (written + descriptive) → Interview/Personality Test, and finally document verification + appointment.
• After selection, successful candidates are appointed to various administrative positions under Karnataka government (gazetted cadre) — thus it’s a prestigious State-level civil service.
2. Eligibility
Common eligibility criteria (as per recent notifications / sources) are:
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen (as per KPSC norms) |
| Education Qualification | A graduate degree (Bachelor’s) from a recognized University (or equivalent) is required. |
| Age | The KPSC age limit varies by post, but a common range is 21 to 35 years for General category candidates, with higher age limits for specific roles like the KAS exam (38 years for the general category). Age relaxations are provided for reserved categories, such as OBC (3 years) and SC/ST/Category-1 (5 years). |
| Attempts allowed | For General Category: up to 5 attempts. For OBC: up to 7 attempts. For SC/ST/Category-1: unlimited attempts (subject to age limit) per older relaxations. |
| Language requirement | Knowledge of Kannada language is mandatory (for reading/writing). |
| Physical standards / fitness | Generally not required — except when certain posts specify physical fitness criteria. For those posts, even after clearing the exam, candidates must meet prescribed physical standards. |
⚠️ Important: There is no fixed “one-size-fits-all” — details vary by each recruitment notification. Always refer to the latest notification for the exact criteria (age, relaxations, attempts, physical fitness, domicile, etc.).
3. Exam Pattern (Stages, Papers, Marks) for KPSC KAS
The exam consists of three main stages: Prelims → Mains → Interview/Personality Test.
Prelims (Screening)
• There are 2 papers, both objective type (MCQs).
• Each paper: 100 questions × 2 marks = 200 marks per paper. Total prelims marks = 400.
• Negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
• Duration: 2 hours per paper.
• Prelims is qualifying — clearing Prelims (meeting cutoff) makes you eligible for Mains. Marks of Prelims are not counted in final merit (only used for screening).
Mains (Descriptive / Written + Qualifying languages)
• Mains consist of 7 papers (as per latest rules).
• Out of those, 2 papers are language papers: Kannada and English — qualifying only. You need to score a minimum percentage (typically 35%) to pass them.
• Remaining 5 papers are merit-ranking papers: Essay + General Studies Papers. Some earlier versions had optional papers, but optional papers have been removed in recent revisions.
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Kannada (Qualifying) | 150 | 2 hrs |
| English (Qualifying) | 150 | 2 hrs |
| Essay (Paper I) | 250 | 3 hrs |
| General Studies I | 250 | 3 hrs |
| General Studies II | 250 | 3 hrs |
| General Studies III | 250 | 3 hrs |
| General Studies IV | 250 | 3 hrs |
Total marks for Mains written: 1250 (excluding qualifying papers).
• Interview / Personality Test: has some marks weight — currently 25 marks (in recent pattern) for personality test / interview.
• Final merit is based on the performance in Mains (merit papers) + Interview (language papers only qualifying) + Personality Test.
4. Syllabus (What to Study) — Prelims & Mains (with detailed topics)
4A. Prelims Syllabus (Objective Papers)
Paper I
• Current affairs (National & International) — recent events, global developments.
• Indian History & Culture (broad — Ancient, Medieval, Modern; with special emphasis on Karnataka state history).
• Indian and World Geography (physical, politico-economic, environment) — including geography of Karnataka.
• Polity & Indian Economy (basic constitutional aspects, political structure, economic features) — general studies portion.
Paper II
• General Studies (State-level importance — Karnataka state affairs): state government schemes, state history, politics, economy, geography of Karnataka, state’s socio-economic issues.
• General Science & Technology, Environment & Ecology: contemporary issues in science & tech, environment, biodiversity, ecology, climate, health. Level expected is general — one doesn’t need specialization.
• General Mental Ability: basic numeracy, reasoning, logical thinking, data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables), comprehension. Level: approximately 10th (SSLC) level.
4B. Mains Syllabus (Descriptive / Written Papers)
Language Papers (Qualifying): Kannada & English
• Comprehension (passages, understanding)
• Precis / summary writing
• Usage & grammar
• Vocabulary
• Short essay / short composition
• Communication skills / writing (letters, passages)
Merit Papers — General Studies + Essay
• Indian History & Culture, Freedom Struggle, Ancient to Modern History. Emphasis on socio-cultural aspects, heritage, historical developments.
• Geography of India and of Karnataka (physical, economic, environmental, resources, regional development)
• Indian Polity & Constitution, Governance, Public Administration, Political System, State & Centre structure, legal–constitutional framework.
• Economy & Development (India + Karnataka) — economic growth, planning, social-economic issues, development indices, population, poverty, agriculture, industry, state budget/economy, etc.
• Ecology, Environment, Science & Technology — environmental issues, biodiversity, ecology, climate change, health, basic science & technology developments relevant to governance.
• Social Justice, Social Issues, Ethics, Welfare Schemes (especially in Karnataka context) — covering welfare, social equity, reservations, state’s social policies, constitutional safeguards.
Essay Paper
• Usually 2 essays (if pattern similar to earlier) — one on national/international issues, another on state/local issues (Karnataka-specific).
• Essays test clarity of thought, analytical ability, awareness of current affairs, state & national issues, social-political-economic analysis.
5. Document / Other Requirements (for Application / Verification / Language / Fitness)
• For applying and during final selection, you need to produce educational certificates (degree marksheets), proof of age (birth certificate or schooling certificate), identity proof (Aadhaar / passport / voter ID), category certificate (if applying under reservation), domicile / nativity certificate (if required), photo, passport-size photos as per instructions, etc. This is standard for any competitive exam. (Note: though I couldn’t locate an official “document list PDF” for KAS, standard norms for PSC-recruitment apply — treat this as general advice.)
• Language eligibility: Since Kannada is compulsory, you must either have studied Kannada (in SSLC/PU/degree), or passed a language test as specified — or have an exemption if earlier KPSC tests cleared language requirement.
• Physical fitness / fitness test: Generally, not required for most KAS posts — but if a particular vacancy calls for physical fitness (e.g. some special cadre, police, ARC, etc.), then you must meet the physical fitness/fitness test standards.
Again — always refer to the specific “notification PDF” issued by KPSC for the batch you apply for.
6. Strategy to Prepare (How to study — 3–6-month plan + ongoing)
Here’s a recommended preparation roadmap / strategy for serious aspirants. You can adjust based on how much time you have and your background.
A. Mindset & Time Allocation
• Begin at least 6 months before expected exam (if starting from basics). If you already have good general studies + degree background — 3–4 months may suffice.
• Aim for 4–6 hours/day (or more, if available) study when working; or 6–8 hours/day if free.
• Parallelly keep updating Current Affairs (both national & Karnataka) — daily reading of newspapers + notes.
B. Study Plan (Sample 12-Week Framework)
Weeks 1–3: Foundation & Basics
• Read and revise basics: Indian history, geography, polity, economy fundamentals (India + Karnataka)
• Start general science + environment basics
• Build reading habit — for newspapers / magazines / reports (for current affairs)
• Practice basic reasoning, mental ability, data interpretation (for prelims)
Weeks 4–6: Consolidation + Prelims preparation
• Continue GS topics; finish Indian polity & economy, major geography & history
• Begin solving MCQs (prelims-level) — 50–100/day
• Maintain current affairs notes (national + Karnataka)
• Work on mental ability, data interpretation daily
Weeks 7–8: Prelims Mock Tests + Revision
• Attempt full-length prelims mocks (Paper 1 + 2) under exam conditions.
• Analyze mistakes; build short revision notes/flashcards for facts, dates, basic GK.
• Continue current affairs; revise basic science & environment topics.
Weeks 9–12: Mains Preparation + Essay & Writing Practice
• Begin descriptive writing practice — essay practice (national, state issues), answer writing practice on GS topics.
• Consolidate notes on polity, economy, environment, history, society, science & tech — especially with Karnataka focus.
• Revise, revisit MCQs for prelims until exam.
• Closer to mains: do timed answer writing, full mains-style mocks (5–6 subject papers), practice language papers (Kannada & English).
C. Parallel Activities & Continuous Improvement
• Maintain a current-affairs notebook for national + Karnataka-level developments (government schemes, economy, environment, polity, social issues).
• Practice answer-writing regularly — that helps for mains, and builds expression, clarity, time management.
• Read editorials, policy analyses, reports — helps for essay & GK papers.
• Keep revising older topics; avoid forgetting basics while focusing on new topics.
• Mock tests & self-evaluation are crucial.
7. Recommended Reference Books & Resources
Here are standard books/resources widely used by KAS aspirants (and helpful for both Prelims & Mains). Use selectively depending on your strengths/weaknesses.
General Studies (History / Geography / Polity / Economy / Environment / Science)
• Indian Polity — by Laxmikanth (for polity, constitution, governance fundamentals)
• Certificate Physical and Human Geography — by G.C. Leong (for geography fundamentals)
• Indian Economy — by Ramesh Singh / or NCERT books (for economy basics)
• NCERTs (Class 6–12) — History, Geography, Environment, Science (for basics)
• Environment, Biodiversity and Climate Change guides / magazines / reports (for environment & ecology topics)
• State-specific publications / reports / websites for Karnataka’s history, society, economy, demography, schemes — to build state-level context
Mental Ability / Reasoning / Data Interpretation
• R. S. Aggarwal — Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning (select relevant portions)
• Practice sets for reasoning, logical ability, data interpretation (charts/tables/graphs)
Language papers (Kannada & English)
• Kannada Grammar & Composition books / guides (for those writing Kannada paper)
• English grammar, précis-writing, essay-writing practice — standard guides / college-level books
Current Affairs / General Knowledge
• Yearbooks (India Year Book, etc.)
• Newspapers (for national + Karnataka news) — both English and Kannada (if possible)
• Reports, magazines on economy, environment, social issues (especially relating to Karnataka)
Answer-Writing & Previous Papers / Mocks
• Published compilations of previous years’ questions / papers (prelims + mains) for KPSC KAS from Primus Academy
• Mock test series (for Prelims and Mains) — self-administered or from Primus Academy platforms
8. What to Watch Out For / Important Tips & Caveats
• Language requirement: Kannada proficiency is essential — so if you are from outside Karnataka or not fluent, start Kannada preparation early (reading, writing, comprehension).
• State-specific knowledge matters: KAS emphasises Karnataka’s history, polity, schemes, geography — don’t treat it as purely national-level exam.
• Answer-writing practice is crucial: Merely reading won’t help. You must practice writing structured answers, essays, balanced arguments (especially for mains).
• Stay updated on current affairs continuously — state + national + global developments, environment, economy, Karnataka government schemes — for both prelims MCQs and mains descriptive.
• Revision matters — syllabus is huge; maintaining concise notes, revision schedule is necessary.
• Time management & mock tests — simulate real exam conditions for both prelims (MCQs) and mains (descriptive + essays).
KAS Gazetted Probatioanary Exam 2025: Eligibility, Pattern, Results
1. About (What is KPSC KAS)
• KAS is the civil-services / gazetted-probationer exam conducted by Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) to recruit officers for various administrative posts in Karnataka.
• The selection process is modelled similarly to central civil service exams: you have a Preliminary (screening) stage → Mains (written + descriptive) → Interview/Personality Test, and finally document verification + appointment.
• After selection, successful candidates are appointed to various administrative positions under Karnataka government (gazetted cadre) — thus it’s a prestigious State-level civil service.
2. Eligibility
Common eligibility criteria (as per recent notifications / sources) are:
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen (as per KPSC norms) |
| Education Qualification | A graduate degree (Bachelor’s) from a recognized University (or equivalent) is required. |
| Age | The KPSC age limit varies by post, but a common range is 21 to 35 years for General category candidates, with higher age limits for specific roles like the KAS exam (38 years for the general category). Age relaxations are provided for reserved categories, such as OBC (3 years) and SC/ST/Category-1 (5 years). |
| Attempts allowed | For General Category: up to 5 attempts. For OBC: up to 7 attempts. For SC/ST/Category-1: unlimited attempts (subject to age limit) per older relaxations. |
| Language requirement | Knowledge of Kannada language is mandatory (for reading/writing). |
| Physical standards / fitness | Generally not required — except when certain posts specify physical fitness criteria. For those posts, even after clearing the exam, candidates must meet prescribed physical standards. |
⚠️ Important: There is no fixed “one-size-fits-all” — details vary by each recruitment notification. Always refer to the latest notification for the exact criteria (age, relaxations, attempts, physical fitness, domicile, etc.).
3. Exam Pattern (Stages, Papers, Marks) for KPSC KAS
The exam consists of three main stages: Prelims → Mains → Interview/Personality Test.
Prelims (Screening)
• There are 2 papers, both objective type (MCQs).
• Each paper: 100 questions × 2 marks = 200 marks per paper. Total prelims marks = 400.
• Negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
• Duration: 2 hours per paper.
• Prelims is qualifying — clearing Prelims (meeting cutoff) makes you eligible for Mains. Marks of Prelims are not counted in final merit (only used for screening).
Mains (Descriptive / Written + Qualifying languages)
• Mains consist of 7 papers (as per latest rules).
• Out of those, 2 papers are language papers: Kannada and English — qualifying only. You need to score a minimum percentage (typically 35%) to pass them.
• Remaining 5 papers are merit-ranking papers: Essay + General Studies Papers. Some earlier versions had optional papers, but optional papers have been removed in recent revisions.
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Kannada (Qualifying) | 150 | 2 hrs |
| English (Qualifying) | 150 | 2 hrs |
| Essay (Paper I) | 250 | 3 hrs |
| General Studies I | 250 | 3 hrs |
| General Studies II | 250 | 3 hrs |
| General Studies III | 250 | 3 hrs |
| General Studies IV | 250 | 3 hrs |
Total marks for Mains written: 1250 (excluding qualifying papers).
• Interview / Personality Test: has some marks weight — currently 25 marks (in recent pattern) for personality test / interview.
• Final merit is based on the performance in Mains (merit papers) + Interview (language papers only qualifying) + Personality Test.
4. Syllabus (What to Study) — Prelims & Mains (with detailed topics)
4A. Prelims Syllabus (Objective Papers)
Paper I
• Current affairs (National & International) — recent events, global developments.
• Indian History & Culture (broad — Ancient, Medieval, Modern; with special emphasis on Karnataka state history).
• Indian and World Geography (physical, politico-economic, environment) — including geography of Karnataka.
• Polity & Indian Economy (basic constitutional aspects, political structure, economic features) — general studies portion.
Paper II
• General Studies (State-level importance — Karnataka state affairs): state government schemes, state history, politics, economy, geography of Karnataka, state’s socio-economic issues.
• General Science & Technology, Environment & Ecology: contemporary issues in science & tech, environment, biodiversity, ecology, climate, health. Level expected is general — one doesn’t need specialization.
• General Mental Ability: basic numeracy, reasoning, logical thinking, data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables), comprehension. Level: approximately 10th (SSLC) level.
4B. Mains Syllabus (Descriptive / Written Papers)
Language Papers (Qualifying): Kannada & English
• Comprehension (passages, understanding)
• Precis / summary writing
• Usage & grammar
• Vocabulary
• Short essay / short composition
• Communication skills / writing (letters, passages)
Merit Papers — General Studies + Essay
• Indian History & Culture, Freedom Struggle, Ancient to Modern History. Emphasis on socio-cultural aspects, heritage, historical developments.
• Geography of India and of Karnataka (physical, economic, environmental, resources, regional development)
• Indian Polity & Constitution, Governance, Public Administration, Political System, State & Centre structure, legal–constitutional framework.
• Economy & Development (India + Karnataka) — economic growth, planning, social-economic issues, development indices, population, poverty, agriculture, industry, state budget/economy, etc.
• Ecology, Environment, Science & Technology — environmental issues, biodiversity, ecology, climate change, health, basic science & technology developments relevant to governance.
• Social Justice, Social Issues, Ethics, Welfare Schemes (especially in Karnataka context) — covering welfare, social equity, reservations, state’s social policies, constitutional safeguards.
Essay Paper
• Usually 2 essays (if pattern similar to earlier) — one on national/international issues, another on state/local issues (Karnataka-specific).
• Essays test clarity of thought, analytical ability, awareness of current affairs, state & national issues, social-political-economic analysis.
5. Document / Other Requirements (for Application / Verification / Language / Fitness)
• For applying and during final selection, you need to produce educational certificates (degree marksheets), proof of age (birth certificate or schooling certificate), identity proof (Aadhaar / passport / voter ID), category certificate (if applying under reservation), domicile / nativity certificate (if required), photo, passport-size photos as per instructions, etc. This is standard for any competitive exam. (Note: though I couldn’t locate an official “document list PDF” for KAS, standard norms for PSC-recruitment apply — treat this as general advice.)
• Language eligibility: Since Kannada is compulsory, you must either have studied Kannada (in SSLC/PU/degree), or passed a language test as specified — or have an exemption if earlier KPSC tests cleared language requirement.
• Physical fitness / fitness test: Generally, not required for most KAS posts — but if a particular vacancy calls for physical fitness (e.g. some special cadre, police, ARC, etc.), then you must meet the physical fitness/fitness test standards.
Again — always refer to the specific “notification PDF” issued by KPSC for the batch you apply for.
6. Strategy to Prepare (How to study — 3–6-month plan + ongoing)
Here’s a recommended preparation roadmap / strategy for serious aspirants. You can adjust based on how much time you have and your background.
A. Mindset & Time Allocation
• Begin at least 6 months before expected exam (if starting from basics). If you already have good general studies + degree background — 3–4 months may suffice.
• Aim for 4–6 hours/day (or more, if available) study when working; or 6–8 hours/day if free.
• Parallelly keep updating Current Affairs (both national & Karnataka) — daily reading of newspapers + notes.
B. Study Plan (Sample 12-Week Framework)
Weeks 1–3: Foundation & Basics
• Read and revise basics: Indian history, geography, polity, economy fundamentals (India + Karnataka)
• Start general science + environment basics
• Build reading habit — for newspapers / magazines / reports (for current affairs)
• Practice basic reasoning, mental ability, data interpretation (for prelims)
Weeks 4–6: Consolidation + Prelims preparation
• Continue GS topics; finish Indian polity & economy, major geography & history
• Begin solving MCQs (prelims-level) — 50–100/day
• Maintain current affairs notes (national + Karnataka)
• Work on mental ability, data interpretation daily
Weeks 7–8: Prelims Mock Tests + Revision
• Attempt full-length prelims mocks (Paper 1 + 2) under exam conditions.
• Analyze mistakes; build short revision notes/flashcards for facts, dates, basic GK.
• Continue current affairs; revise basic science & environment topics.
Weeks 9–12: Mains Preparation + Essay & Writing Practice
• Begin descriptive writing practice — essay practice (national, state issues), answer writing practice on GS topics.
• Consolidate notes on polity, economy, environment, history, society, science & tech — especially with Karnataka focus.
• Revise, revisit MCQs for prelims until exam.
• Closer to mains: do timed answer writing, full mains-style mocks (5–6 subject papers), practice language papers (Kannada & English).
C. Parallel Activities & Continuous Improvement
• Maintain a current-affairs notebook for national + Karnataka-level developments (government schemes, economy, environment, polity, social issues).
• Practice answer-writing regularly — that helps for mains, and builds expression, clarity, time management.
• Read editorials, policy analyses, reports — helps for essay & GK papers.
• Keep revising older topics; avoid forgetting basics while focusing on new topics.
• Mock tests & self-evaluation are crucial.
7. Recommended Reference Books & Resources
Here are standard books/resources widely used by KAS aspirants (and helpful for both Prelims & Mains). Use selectively depending on your strengths/weaknesses.
General Studies (History / Geography / Polity / Economy / Environment / Science)
• Indian Polity — by Laxmikanth (for polity, constitution, governance fundamentals)
• Certificate Physical and Human Geography — by G.C. Leong (for geography fundamentals)
• Indian Economy — by Ramesh Singh / or NCERT books (for economy basics)
• NCERTs (Class 6–12) — History, Geography, Environment, Science (for basics)
• Environment, Biodiversity and Climate Change guides / magazines / reports (for environment & ecology topics)
• State-specific publications / reports / websites for Karnataka’s history, society, economy, demography, schemes — to build state-level context
Mental Ability / Reasoning / Data Interpretation
• R. S. Aggarwal — Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning (select relevant portions)
• Practice sets for reasoning, logical ability, data interpretation (charts/tables/graphs)
Language papers (Kannada & English)
• Kannada Grammar & Composition books / guides (for those writing Kannada paper)
• English grammar, précis-writing, essay-writing practice — standard guides / college-level books
Current Affairs / General Knowledge
• Yearbooks (India Year Book, etc.)
• Newspapers (for national + Karnataka news) — both English and Kannada (if possible)
• Reports, magazines on economy, environment, social issues (especially relating to Karnataka)
Answer-Writing & Previous Papers / Mocks
• Published compilations of previous years’ questions / papers (prelims + mains) for KPSC KAS from Primus Academy
• Mock test series (for Prelims and Mains) — self-administered or from Primus Academy platforms
8. What to Watch Out For / Important Tips & Caveats
• Language requirement: Kannada proficiency is essential — so if you are from outside Karnataka or not fluent, start Kannada preparation early (reading, writing, comprehension).
• State-specific knowledge matters: KAS emphasises Karnataka’s history, polity, schemes, geography — don’t treat it as purely national-level exam.
• Answer-writing practice is crucial: Merely reading won’t help. You must practice writing structured answers, essays, balanced arguments (especially for mains).
• Stay updated on current affairs continuously — state + national + global developments, environment, economy, Karnataka government schemes — for both prelims MCQs and mains descriptive.
• Revision matters — syllabus is huge; maintaining concise notes, revision schedule is necessary.
• Time management & mock tests — simulate real exam conditions for both prelims (MCQs) and mains (descriptive + essays).
KPSC KAS ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ 2025: ಅರ್ಹತೆ, ಮಾದರಿ, ಪಠ್ಯಕ್ರಮ, ತಯಾರಿ
1. KPSC KAS ಬಗ್ಗೆ (KPSC KAS ಎಂದರೇನು?)
• KAS ಎಂದರೆ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ಸೇವಾ ಆಯೋಗ (KPSC) ನಡೆಸುವ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸಿವಿಲ್ ಸೇವಾ / ಗಜೆಟೆಡ್ ಪ್ರೊಬೆಷನರ್ಸ್ ನೇಮಕಾತಿ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ.
• ಇದು UPSC ಮಾದರಿಯಂತೆ: ಪೂರ್ವಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ → ಮುಖ್ಯ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ → ಸಂದರ್ಶನ → ದಾಖಲೆ ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ → ನೇಮಕಾತಿ.
• ಉತ್ತೀರ್ಣರಾದ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಗಜೆಟೆಡ್ ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನೇಮಕಾತಿ ನೀಡಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.
2. ಅರ್ಹತೆ (Eligibility)
ಇತ್ತೀಚಿನ ಸೂಚನೆಗಳ ಪ್ರಕಾರ ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ ಅರ್ಹತೆಗಳು:
| ಮಾನದಂಡ | ವಿವರ |
|---|---|
| ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯತೆ | ಭಾರತೀಯ ನಾಗರಿಕ |
| ಶೈಕ್ಷಣಿಕ ಅರ್ಹತೆ | ಮಾನ್ಯ ವಿಶ್ವವಿದ್ಯಾಲಯದಿಂದ ಪದವಿ |
| ವಯೋಮಿತಿ | 21–35 ವರ್ಷ (ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ); ಕೆಲವು ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳಿಗೆ 38 ವರ್ಷ. OBC: +3 ವರ್ಷ, SC/ST/Category-1: +5 ವರ್ಷ. |
| ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಗಳ ಮಿತಿ | General: 5 | OBC: 7 | SC/ST/Category-1: ವಯೋಮಿತಿಯೊಳಗೆ ಅನಿಯಮಿತ |
| ಭಾಷಾ ಜ್ಞಾನ | ಕನ್ನಡ ಓದು/ಬರಹ ಕಡ್ಡಾಯ |
| ದೇಹದ ಮಾಪನಗಳು | ಬಹುತೇಕ ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ, ಕೆಲವು ವಿಶೇಷ ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ |
⚠️ ಪ್ರತಿ ನೇಮಕಾತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಯಮಗಳು ಬದಲಾಗಬಹುದು — ತಾಜಾ ಅಧಿಸೂಚನೆ ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸಿ.
3. ಪರೀಕ್ಷಾ ಮಾದರಿ (Exam Pattern)
A. ಪೂರ್ವ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ (Prelims – MCQs)
• 2 ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಪತ್ರಿಕೆಗಳು, ಪ್ರತಿ ಒಂದು 200 ಅಂಕ.
• 100×2 = 200 ಅಂಕ ಪ್ರತಿ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ → ಒಟ್ಟು 400 ಅಂಕ.
• ತಪ್ಪು ಉತ್ತರಕ್ಕೆ -0.25 ನಕಾರಾತ್ಮಕ ಅಂಕ.
• ಅವಧಿ: 2 ಗಂಟೆ.
• Screening ಮಾತ್ರ — ಮೆರಿಟ್ಗೆ ಸೇರಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲ.
B. ಮುಖ್ಯ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ (Mains – ವರ್ಣನಾತ್ಮಕ)
ಒಟ್ಟು 7 ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಪತ್ರಿಕೆಗಳು:
| ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ | ಅಂಕ | ಅವಧಿ |
|---|---|---|
| ಕನ್ನಡ (ಯೋಗ್ಯತಾ) | 150 | 2 ಗಂಟೆ |
| ಇಂಗ್ಲಿಷ್ (ಯೋಗ್ಯತಾ) | 150 | 2 ಗಂಟೆ |
| ಪ್ರಬಂಧ | 250 | 3 ಗಂಟೆ |
| GS – Paper I | 250 | 3 ಗಂಟೆ |
| GS – Paper II | 250 | 3 ಗಂಟೆ |
| GS – Paper III | 250 | 3 ಗಂಟೆ |
| GS – Paper IV | 250 | 3 ಗಂಟೆ |
• ಮೆರಿಟ್ ಅಂಕ: 1250
• ಸಂದರ್ಶನ: 25 ಅಂಕ
• ಅಂತಿಮ ಮೆರಿಟ್ = 1250 + 25
4. ಪಠ್ಯಕ್ರಮ (Syllabus)
4A. Prelims Syllabus
Paper I- ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ & ಅಂತರರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಪ್ರಸಕ್ತ ಘಟನೆಗಳು
- ಭಾರತದ ಇತಿಹಾಸ + ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಇತಿಹಾಸ
- ಭೂಗೋಳ — ಭಾರತ + ವಿಶ್ವ + ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ
- ಸಂವಿಧಾನ, ರಾಜಕೀಯ, ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಮೂಲಭೂತ ಅಂಶಗಳು
- ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ GS: ರಾಜ್ಯ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳು, ನೀತಿಗಳು, ಸಮಾಜ–ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ವಿಷಯಗಳು
- ವಿಜ್ಞಾನ–ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ, ಪರಿಸರ, ಜೈವವೈವಿಧ್ಯ
- Mental Ability: ಗಣಿತ, reasoning, data interpretation (SSLC ಮಟ್ಟ)
4B. Mains Syllabus
(1) ಭಾಷಾ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆಗಳು – ಕನ್ನಡ & ಇಂಗ್ಲಿಷ್- ಗದ್ಯಪಾಠ ಗ್ರಹಿಕೆ
- ಪ್ರೆಸ್ಸಿ
- ವ್ಯಾಕರಣ
- ಪದಸಂಪನ್ನತೆ
- ಪತ್ರ ಬರಹ / ಸಣ್ಣ ಪ್ರಬಂಧ
- ಭಾರತದ ಇತಿಹಾಸ, ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿ, ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಹೋರಾಟ
- ಭಾರತ + ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಭೂಗೋಳ
- ಸಂವಿಧಾನ, ಆಡಳಿತ, ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆ
- ಭಾರತ + ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಆರ್ಥಿಕತೆ
- ಪರಿಸರ, ವಿಜ್ಞಾನ–ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ
- ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ನ್ಯಾಯ, ಸಮಾಜ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳು
- ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳು, ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಸೂಚ್ಯಂಕಗಳು
- 2 ಪ್ರಬಂಧಗಳು — ಒಂದು ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ/ಅಂತರರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ, ಒಂದು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ವಿಷಯ
- ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟತೆ, ವಿಶ್ಲೇಷಣೆ, ಸಮಗ್ರ ಚಿಂತನೆ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ
5. ದಾಖಲಾತಿಗಳು (Documents Required)
- ಜನನ ಪ್ರಮಾಣಪತ್ರ / SSLC
- ಪದವಿ ಪ್ರಮಾಣಪತ್ರ & ಅಂಕಪಟ್ಟಿ
- ಆಧಾರ್ / ಮತದಾರ ಚೀಟಿ
- ವರ್ಗ (Reservation) ಪ್ರಮಾಣಪತ್ರ
- ವಾಸಸ್ಥಳ / ಜಾತಿ ಪ್ರಮಾಣಪತ್ರ
- ಫೋಟೋ & ಸಹಿ
- SSLC/PU/ಪದವಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕನ್ನಡ ಅಥವಾ
- KPSC ಕನ್ನಡ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಉತ್ತೀರ್ಣ
6. ತಯಾರಿ ಯುಕ್ತಿ (Strategy)
A. ಸಮಯ ಯೋಜನೆ
- ಆಧಾರದಿಂದ ಆರಂಭಿಸುವವರಿಗೆ: 6 ತಿಂಗಳು
- ದಿನಕ್ಕೆ 4–6 ಗಂಟೆಗಳ ಅಧ್ಯಯನ
- ಕನ್ನಡ + ಪ್ರಸಕ್ತ ಘಟನೆಗಳು + GS ಸಮಾನವಾಗಿ ಓದಿ
B. 12-ವಾರಗಳ ಮಾದರಿ ಪ್ಲಾನ್
ವಾರ 1–3- ಇತಿಹಾಸ, ಭೂಗೋಳ, ರಾಜಕೀಯ, ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಮೂಲಭೂತಗಳು
- ವಿಜ್ಞಾನ/ಪರಿಸರ
- ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ ಓದು
- Mental Ability ಆರಂಭ
- MCQ ಅಭ್ಯಾಸ (50–100/ದಿನ)
- ರಾಜ್ಯ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳು
- DI + reasoning
- Prelims Mock Tests
- ತಪ್ಪುಗಳ ವಿಶ್ಲೇಷಣೆ
- ಸಂಕ್ಷಿಪ್ತ ಟಿಪ್ಪಣಿಗಳು
- ಪ್ರಬಂಧ + ಉತ್ತರ ಬರವಣಿಗೆ
- ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ GS ಗಾಢ ಅಧ್ಯಯನ
- ಭಾಷಾ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ ಅಭ್ಯಾಸ
C. ನಿರಂತರ ಅಭ್ಯಾಸ
- ಪ್ರಸಕ್ತ ಘಟನೆಗಳ ಟಿಪ್ಪಣಿಗಳು
- ಮಾಕ್ ಟೆಸ್ಟ್ಗಳು
- ಪುನರಾವರ್ತನೆ
7. ಶಿಫಾರಸು ಮಾಡಿದ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳು (Resources)
General Studies- Laxmikanth – Polity
- G.C. Leong – Geography
- Ramesh Singh – Economy
- NCERTs (6–12)
- ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ವರದಿಗಳು, ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಸಮೀಕ್ಷೆ
- R.S. Aggarwal
- DI + Reasoning ಪಠ್ಯಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳು
- ಕನ್ನಡ ವ್ಯಾಕರಣ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳು
- English Grammar & Writing guides
- ಪತ್ರಿಕೆಗಳು (Kannada + English)
- Yearbooks / PIB / Reports
- KAS ಹಿಂದಿನ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಪತ್ರಿಕೆಗಳು
- Prelims + Mains Mock Test Series
8. ಮುಖ್ಯ ಸಲಹೆಗಳು / ಗಮನಿಸಬೇಕಾದದ್ದು
- ಕನ್ನಡ ಭಾಷಾ ಜ್ಞಾನ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಮುಖ್ಯ
- ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ-ನಿರ್ದಿಷ್ಟ ವಿಷಯಗಳಿಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಒತ್ತು ಕೊಡಿ
- Mains: ಉತ್ತರ ಬರವಣಿಗೆ ಅತ್ಯಗತ್ಯ
- ಪುನರಾವರ್ತನೆ ಇಲ್ಲದೆ ಯಶಸ್ಸು ಕಷ್ಟ
- Mock tests + ಸಮಯ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆ = ಯಶಸ್ಸಿನ ಕೀಲಿ